G-Wagens and LRs, an extension of Chris's question

[JRBrown]

This will be long, But I'm quoting some folks from another site. Pretty much sums up why I went G vice LR 110 or 90.

From Jock Marlo: http://www.forumboard.net/2163/messages/94.html

Consider the fact that you are most probably choosing riving a G or working on a Defender. If you really want to drive a defender, try to buy a new one. Keep it for 4 years and sell it. Generally after four years you will have to start pending needless money on your Defender. This, however depends a lot on how you drive your car. A G is much better built than a Defender. I've driven a 110 for 5 years. It's a wonderfull car but I know too much about it now, technically spoken; Rebuilt the gearbox twice (LT77, still the same), rebuilt the engine twice, oil-leaks everywhere, water and rain intrusions everywhere you
dont want them,....

But the looks of a Land Rover are incomparible with these from a G. A Land Rover can rot, a G can rust, pick your choise. This is a real dillema. It took me five years to choose the G over the Land-Rover.

PS: try to find a cross-section drawing of the front axle of both cars; then count the oil seals, and then make up for yourself why LR-axles are more likely to leak than Mercedes axles. And while you have the drawings in your hand, have a look at the diameter of the drive-shafts, and then wonder why Land-Rover axles break often, and Mercedes axles hardly ever do.

G-reetings from Belgium.

Frank Huysmans

300GD Ambulance
http://www.geocities.com/mercedesambu/Ambu01.html
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From David G.
http://www.forumboard.net/2163/messages/86.html

As you know, buddy, I've owned both as daily drivers and weekend wheelers. As a matter of fact, that wouldn't be MY old '97 SW you're after would it? John said you approached him about it once. But it must have more than 40k on it by now. :^)

IMHO, when you're talking about vehicles like this, the decision is more emotional than logical. I like 'em both so it would be impossible for me to say hands down one's better. But, here's how I see the comparo:

D90:
easier stock parts (local dealer)
better aftermarket support
more "Extreme" ultimate modified state attainable
bigger social scene in US

Gwagen
more rugged construction out-of-the-box
more exclusive & odd
Mercedes engineering

In my mind, it comes down to the intended use, and what you want to do to the truck. If I want to have a bone stock daily driver to wheel (pretty hard) in, it's my feeling that the factory lockers, German engineering, and rugged construction make the g the choice for me. If I want to build a gonzo rock machine that still has some panache, and like to go to small rallys and socialize with other owners, then the D90 is the one I'd choose. If my wheeling includes the real possibility of vehicle damage or breakage, the D90 is a more practical choice.

Dave G.

PS - this reminds me of last year when the "athlete of the century" was down to the top four. It was something like, Wayne Gretzky, Babe Ruth, Walter Payton, and Mohamed Ali. (not sure I got all the names right, but Ali was in there for sure). I was talking with a friend about how difficult it was to choose and he cleared it right up for me. He said, "You know that if those four guys were in a room, the other three would all be gathered around Ali...." He was right, and that made it perfectly clear.

Show up at a Land Rover gathering with the G, and everyone's all over it. Show up at a G gathering with a D90, and they're hoping you don't break down... :^)

I love my Land Rovers, don't get me wrong. But that's the feeling I get, none the less.....
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